1. Entry Activity Talk with your Lab Group. What makes a good scientific observation?

2. Scientific Observations Purpose: Understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative observations and to practice making good observations Qualitative vs. Quantitative A qualitative observation describes a quality of an object such as color, texture, or smell. For example, “The object is green in color and feels rough to the touch”.

3. A quantitative observation describes a quantity of an object such as an amount or number. For example, “The object has 14 green spots and 10 little bumps per square centimeter”. On a piece of paper make at least three detailed observations of Mr. E’s demonstration.

4. When making scientific observations it is important to only record what you observe and not make any assumptions. For example, just because you saw me eating out of a Crisco container doesn’t mean I am eating huge spoonfuls of Crisco. Also, scientific observations do not have a judgment or value placed upon them, “e ww that is gross” is not an observation.

5. Choose two different objects in the room. Using qualitative and quantitative observations describe, with as much detail as possible, the two objects you chose. Record your observations in your science notebook. Keep your two objects a secret because when you are done writing your descriptions you will trade them with your lab group and try to guess what the other person was describing. 10 minutes

6. Mystery Tube of Science Purpose: Practice making good scientific observations. Use logical thinking to problem solve and construct your own Mystery Tube. After observing the Mystery Tube in action discuss with your group how you think it works. 3 min. In your Science Notebook please draw a detailed, labeled diagram of how you think the Mystery Tube works. Tomorrow you will try to build it using your design.